Washington Township teen's fundraiser honors aunt

View full sizeStaff photo by Lori M. NicholsMary Lloyd, a Washington Township High school junior, raises funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to fight breast cancer. She is pictured with her mother, Madelyn Norros.

Mary Lloyd, a 17-year-old junior at Washington Township High School and an accomplished student-athlete, has learned much about the volunteer fund-raising arena for someone so young. But it has been a bittersweet experience.

When Mary was a preschooler, an aunt to whom she was extremely close, Laura Renz of Turnersville, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just 36, Laura died after a courageous nine-year fight. Not long thereafter, Mary’s mother, Madelyn Morros of Sewell, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s in remission and doing well.

But as a result of the double-dose of reality that hit home, Mary has become a fund-raising machine.

In 2009, she organized “Team Laura,” honoring her aunt’s memory, with the help of family members. She has served as team captain for the “Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure,” a traditional May 13 Mother’s Day event that draws 100,000 participants. The Komen 60-mile, three-day walk during the fall is the cause’s other signature event.

Mary has raised about $10,000 via the race for the cure and has nearly reached her 2012 race goal. By race conclusion, she hopes to surpass $15,000 raised through a variety of fund-raising endeavors.

“This has changed my life,” says Mary, a member of the WTHS National Honor Society and a tennis and lacrosse player who plans to study engineering in college. “It’s made me aware of how many lives are affected by breast cancer. It’s also made me realize how many people care.” Mary was only five when her aunt was diagnosed and spent a great deal of time with her: “She was my role model. I chose her as my hero.”

“I’m very proud of Mary,” her mother says. “Her fund-raising efforts have been a great way to channel her grief.”

And she admits she is on a mission to help others fight breast cancer until the disease — which claims a life every 74 seconds — is eradicated.

Mary was one of six “all-star” fund-raisers invited to be part of the Komen organization’s first “Fund-Raising Fair,” where volunteers spoke of the art of fund-raising and the goal of saving lives from breast cancer. But she was unable to attend because of family vacation plans.

Besides her volunteer work for the race, the determined teenager has found other ways to help:

She changed her “Sweet 16” celebration into a $5,300 fund-raiser for the Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, gathering sponsors and donors and making certain every penny would be directed to the Komen cause. As a result, her party became a memorable event for 150 guests at a Sewell restaurant. Many who couldn’t attend made donations anyway. Ironically, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was helping organize the “Sweet 16.”

She organized a spaghetti dinner, “Gravy for the Cure,” which raised $1,700; a “Pink Tea” ($900) served by tuxedo-clad men; and “Cookies for the Cure” ($300).

Additionally, Mary has become a public advocate for the cure, speaking three times to organizations.

“First time was hard, but just to see all those faces made it easier. I’ve loved the experience because I’ve been able to talk about my aunt and mother.”

After high school graduation, Mary says her commitment on behalf of the cause will be maintained.

“I’ll continue to volunteer and want to do as much as I can,” Mary says. “I definitely plan to stay with it. My commitment is solidified.”